To generate the network of connections along which load is redistributed over fibers, we start from a
regular square lattice of side length \(l\)  with \(N=l^2\)  fibers, and apply the Watts-Strogatz
rewiring technique to randomize the connections [1]}, [2]}.
The fibers are assigned to the nodes oriented perpendicular to the plane of the lattice. Figure REF 
provides an overview of the model construction.
On the square lattice with periodic boundary condition in both directions, all fibers (nodes) are connected
to their four nearest neighbors, hence, initially the degree distribution \(\rho (k)\)  of fibers has the simple form
\(\rho (k) = \left\lbrace \begin{array}{lcl}1 & \mbox{for} & k=4, \\ [2mm]0 & \mbox{otherwise.} &\end{array}\right.\) 
